Dear Mom & Pops-
When I left the states back in October I was already anticipating Nicaragua. Now here I am sitting on a bus heading to Costa Rica (hallelujah for FREE WIFI) and reflecting on the amazing end to my time here. Being able to see your faces was like tying up this month with a pretty little bow. My time with you on the mission field far exceeded my expectations. It was truly one of the most memorable experiences I’ve ever had with you and probably will ever have.
You are two of my best friends who I genuinely enjoy spending time with and to have you step into my world for even a brief time to experience what I’ve been journeying through the past 7 months and the ways God has been moving was like a sweet gift from above. We laughed, cried, laughed, and cried some more. We felt every emotion possible.
As we both process our time together I’m praying for you over these last 4 months until we hug again. I WILL ALWAYS be praying for you. I’m praying for your hearts. I pray you will never forget what you experienced in Nicaragua. Everything you saw, everything that was spoken over you, all the ways in which we grew together, may it be embedded in your heart. God has such amazing things for you both. This was the catalyst to something huge God is going to be doing in your lives these last 4 months I’m gone and beyond!!!
You are my brother and sister in Christ first and foremost, my friends, and “parents” will ALWAYS come last. I speak blessings upon blessings over your lives and can’t wait to see how God is going to move. You are are my biggest encouragers and I will always be here to point you back to him in all things as you do for me.
You will never know how much your love and support means to me. I’m one blessed girl! THANK YOU for coming to see me and with arms wide open, eager and open to whatever God had for you. He will always finish what he started and he started something in all of us that I’m going to be processing for awhile.
I cannot wait to hug and see you in 4 months. Your prayers are felt each and every single day. I love and adore you to the moon and back. I carry you in my heart always!!! You are precious precious humans and I’m forever grateful you are mine!!! See you real soon!!!!
All my love,
Lauren
While my parents were visiting they got to experience dump ministry. This is where locals day in and day out dig through the dump. They collect what can be salvaged and recycled. A truck then comes and buys those items off of them. These people make $20, if that, depending on what they find, every two weeks. We are talking about single mothers just trying to make ends meet. We spoke with another person who has been doing this for 30 years. There were vultures all around in the midst of all the people, children playing among the trash and it stunk! Heartbreaking but this is their reality and they are the most beautiful people you will ever meet. We came to visit, love on them, give a message and feed them. On this particular day my parents joined me and I gave the message and spoke on hope. What a thrill to have my parents there.
Then we got to do home visits and we met sweet precious Maria! We were all blessed to spend time with her, learn her story, and pray with her!
Being able to to do ministry along side my parents is something I will never ever forget. What a week. Among ministry there were so many sweet moments in between. My heart is so full!
